According to Breitbart, Diego de la Vega, who served as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's deputy communications director, has made the decision to self-deport to Colombia after living in the United States for 23 years as an undocumented immigrant.
De la Vega entered the United States at age seven from Ecuador on a visitor's visa and remained in New York City, a sanctuary city, after the visa expired. During his time in America, he rose through the political ranks, starting as a communications worker in the New York State Assembly before joining AOC's team.
De la Vega's political engagement began in 2010 during the Dream Act campaign. After the legislation failed to pass, he channeled his energy into immigrant rights advocacy, working with the Make the Road NY organization before joining Ocasio-Cortez's reelection campaign.
His exceptional work caught the attention of Representative Ocasio-Cortez, who praised his contributions to her team. De la Vega's role as deputy communications director demonstrated his professional capabilities despite his immigration status.
The challenges of living without legal status weighed heavily on de la Vega's mind as he entered his late twenties. He began contemplating alternatives to his precarious situation in the United States.
De la Vega shared his perspective with Migrant Insider, explaining his internal struggle with identity and belonging. He expressed that being unable to travel or visit his homeland created significant emotional strain.
His comments about embracing his Latino identity rather than conforming to what he called "the image of a picture-perfect immigrant" sparked discussions about assimilation and cultural identity in America. The decision to relocate emerged from this personal reflection.
The move to Colombia has reportedly provided de la Vega with newfound freedom and security. He describes his current life as fulfilling and free from the constant fear he experienced while living undocumented in New York.
De la Vega described his transition to life in Colombia, emphasizing the positive aspects of his decision. According to him, the ability to move freely without fear has transformed his daily experience.
As reported by Migrant Insider, de la Vega felt a sense of belonging in Colombia that had eluded him during his time in the United States. His experience highlights the complex emotional and practical challenges faced by long-term undocumented residents.
Representative Ocasio-Cortez's office acknowledged de la Vega's departure, with the congresswoman expressing admiration for his work. She told Migrant Insider: "Diego is amazing. We love him."
Diego de la Vega, who worked as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's deputy communications director, chose to end his 23-year stay in the United States by self-deporting to Colombia. After entering the country at age seven from Ecuador and overstaying his visitor's visa, he built a career in political communications and immigrant rights advocacy in New York City.
The former aide's decision came after careful consideration of his precarious status and desire to embrace his Latin American identity. Now residing in Colombia, de la Vega reports feeling fulfilled and liberated from the constraints of living as an undocumented immigrant in America.
